Morocco wants to relaunch a strong and competitive national maritime fleet. The country depends 95% on maritime transport for its trade, but its flag has declined sharply since the 1970s.
Morocco wants to regain control at sea. The Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh, recalled on Monday before the House of Representatives that King Mohammed VI had called, in his speech of the 2023 Green March, to think seriously about the creation of a strong and competitive maritime fleet.
The issue is strategic. According to the minister, 95% of Morocco’s trade depends on maritime transport. A reality that makes the reconstruction of a national pavilion all the more urgent, in a context marked by the Royal Atlantic initiative and the requirements of international trade.
The setback is important. In the 1970s, the kingdom had about 80 ships from different companies. In 2024, the sector was sharply reduced, with only 12 companies, according to figures presented by Abdessamad Kayouh.
Rebuild what has been lost
To relaunch this maritime power, Morocco organized last May in Tangier the first study days devoted to this project, under high royal patronage. The meeting brought together the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization and the main actors in the sector.
The objective was to reflect on ways to revive the national fleet, but also on possible forms of support. The Minister raised the issue of financial support, public aid and proposals capable of supporting Moroccan operators.
The file therefore goes beyond the simple question of the number of ships. It touches on Morocco’s trade sovereignty, its place in maritime routes and its ability to support its Atlantic ambitions. For Rabat, rebuilding a national fleet is tantamount to securing an essential lever of its economy.
source : bladi.net
